A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Transcription

1 A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION TAUGHT BY DAVE LINDSTROM Red Mountain Community Church Elder This book reveals or unveils Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1) as the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth (Revelation 1:5). Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, was covered in Revelation chapters one through three, Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead, was covered in chapters four and five, and Jesus Christ, ruler of kings on earth, started in chapter six and continues to the end of the book. TABLE OF CONTENTS JESUS CHRIST THE FAITHFUL WITNESS Revelation 1:4-8, The Theme of The Book... 2 Revelation 1:9-20, The Commission and The Vision... 4 Revelation 2:1-11, Yahweh Jesus in The Midst Part Revelation 2:12-29, Yahweh Jesus in The Midst Part Revelation 3:1-13, Yahweh Jesus in The Midst Part Revelation 3:14-22, Yahweh Jesus in The Midst Part JESUS CHRIST THE FIRSTBORN OF THE DEAD Revelation 4:1-11, Yahweh Father s Throne in Heaven Revelation 5:1-13, Four Heavenly Scenes JESUS CHRIST THE RULER OF KINGS ON EARTH Revelation 6:1 8:1, Yahweh Jesus Opens The Seals Part Revelation 6:1 8:1, Yahweh Jesus Opens The Seals Part Revelation 6:1 8:1, Yahweh Jesus Opens The Seals Part Revelation 6:1 8:1, Yahweh Jesus Opens The Seals Part Revelation 8:2-13, The First Four Trumpet Judgments Revelation 9:1-21, The Fifth and Sixth Trumpet Judgments... 36

2 Revelation 10, Apostle John Eats a Little Scroll Revelation 11:1-14, A Review of the Events in Jerusalem Revelation 11:15-19, The Blowing of the Seventh Trumpet EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES, PEOPLE, AND EVENTS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION TO THE RETURN OF KING JESUS TO RULE THIS EARTH IN NINE PARTS Revelation 12, Satan s Anger and Expulsion Revelation 13, Antichrist's Satanically Empowered Rule Revelation 14, Three Earthly Scenes Revelation 15, The Heavenly Ceremony of the Bowl Judgments Revelation 16:1-9, The First Four Bowl Judgments Revelation 16:10-21, The Fifth, Six and Seventh Bowl Judgments Revelation 17, Babylon the Great Will Be Judged...62 Revelation 18-19:5, Babylon the Great Will Be Judged Continued Revelation 19:6-21, The Marriage Supper and the Antichrist s End Revelation 20:1-6, Satan is Bound Revelation 20:6, Reigning With Christ for 1000 Years Revelation 20:7-21:8, Satan s Last Earthly Deceit Revelation 21:9 22:21, The New Jerusalem and the Conclusion BOOK OF REVELATION TIMELINE Timeline... 82

3 3 THE GREETING AND THEME OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION REVELATION 1:4-8 I. The amazingly deep greeting in the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:4-6). A. John writes to not just one church but to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern day western Turkey). This message of Revelation was very important and ultimately was for every local church for the last almost 2,000 years of church history (verse 4a). B. As with most New Testament letters or books, it starts off with a greeting from the writer and a greeting from Yahweh (verses 4b-5a). 1. Grace (Yahweh s unmerited favor) and peace (Yahweh s Shalom) bestowed upon the seven churches (and all future churches). These ultimately can be given only through belief in Jesus Christ s life, death, and resurrection (verse 4b; Romans 1:7, 5:1-5). 2. This comes from Yahweh who has revealed Himself as Father, Spirit, and Son (verses 4c- 6). a. Yahweh Father is He who is, was, and is to come. This is very closely related to Yahweh s name (the I am who I am ) (Exodus 3:14). b. Yahweh Spirit is represented as the seven spirits before the throne, a reference to the Holy Spirit from the book of Zechariah (Zechariah 4:1-10; Revelation 4:5). c. Yahweh Son (Jesus Christ) is last in this list because the whole book is about Him including His work in redemption, His work among the churches, His judgments, and His coming in His glory to set up His earthly and eternal kingdom (verse 5a). C. Jesus Christ is described for us with three of His titles and three of His works (verses 5b- 6). 1. Title #1 He is the faithful witness. He is the one who will faithfully speak out Yahweh s plans of redemption and kingdom for eternity (as the prophesied Messiah and Son of David (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Ps. 89:36, 37; Daniel 9:26a; Isaiah 52:13 53:12). This is a theme for Revelation chapters Title #2 He is the firstborn from the dead. He is the highest in preeminence (the Hebrew-Greek idea of firstborn) as well as the first to rise from the dead with a new body (Psalms 89:27; Acts 2:29-36; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 15:23). This is a theme for Revelation chapters Title #3 He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. He will ultimately prove Himself to be this earthly king and the eternal King! (Psalms 89:27; Daniel 7:13, 14; Revelation 19:16). This is a theme for Revelation chapters 6-22.

4 4 4. Work #1 He presently loves us as members of His church body (John 13:1, 17:20-26; Hebrews 13:5, 6, 8). 5. Work #2 In the past, He has freed us from our sins by His blood (Romans 3:21-26). 6. Work #3 He has made all of His believers part of His Kingdom and Priesthood now, but these will be fully realized at His second coming (Daniel 12:33, Exodus 19:6; Revelation 20:6). 7. Jesus Christ deserves to receive glory ( doxa ) from all of His creation but especially from His people (Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10, 11). He deserves the authority and power to rule throughout all the ages (eternity) (Matthew 25:31-34). May the truth of this statement be affirmed! So be it! Amen ( be firm )! THOUGHT: Which title or work of Jesus Christ brought you deeper into Yahweh s presence today? Let s make sure and bring a fresh offering of praise to Him for this. II. The ultimate theme in the book of Revelation is the coming glorified Christ to rule and reign on this earth and throughout eternity (verses 7, 8). A. The prophecy of verse 7 comes from a combination of two Old Testament Scriptures found in Daniel 7:13, 14 and Zechariah 12:10. B. Besides these Old Testament passages, Jesus and the New Testament writers prophesied the same thing (Matthew 11:2, 24:3, 30, 31; Acts 1:3, 6, 11; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8). C. There are seven places in the book of Revelation where Christ Himself tells of His coming (Revelation 2:5, 16; 3:11; 16:15; 22:7, 12, 20). D. Christ will return in the sky with the clouds. This could be real clouds or/and His Saints (Daniel 7:13, 18, 27; Revelation 19:14). E. At His return, every eye will be able to see Him. This possibly implies both the living and the dead. Perhaps Yahweh will miraculously open each person s eyes in visionary form if this is the case. F. Those who pierced Him (the Apostle John used the Hebrew Text rather than the Septuagint here as in John 19:37) could be both the Jewish and Roman non-believers as were the original Christ crucifiers. G. Both Zechariah 12:10-13 and Daniel 7:19-26 talk about a time of great mourning and tribulation that will come on the earth before Christ s return. The book of Revelation will show the truthfulness of this prophecy.

5 5 H. An affirmation of the truthfulness of the statement of verse 7 is given by the Lord God ( Kurios ha Theos ) Himself in verse In context, the best person of the Trinity to make this statement seems to be Yahweh Father since He is identified as this part of the Trinity in Revelation 1:4. However, the person of the Son says many of the same things in Revelation 21:12, 13 so there seems to be a handing over of authority between the Father and Son for a certain period of time. This follows the patterns of Daniel 7:9-14 as well as 1 Corinthians 15: Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter. Therefore, Yahweh Father is the great I Am (Exodus 3:15) who has existed for all eternity perfectly carrying out His will (Isaiah 41:4) as the Almighty Ruler of All. THOUGHT: The second coming of Jesus Christ is a Scriptural certainty backed up by the guarantee of the truthfulness and word of Yahweh Himself. THE COMMISSION OF THE APOSTLE JOHN S WRITINGS AND THE VISION OF THE GLORIFIED CHRIST AND HIS PRESENCE IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES REVELATION 1:9-20 I. The Apostle John gives the historical setting as well as his commission to write the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:9-11) A. John tells his Christian readers and hearers that he is their fellow brother (they are all in the same family of God in Christ). He also explains to them that they share fellowship together (Greek koinonia ) in three areas: 1) suffering (Greek thlipsis, distress, ordeal); 2) kingdom (as believers we are now part of Christ s kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; John 12:12-16) and await Christ s completed kingdom reign (Revelation 19:11-22:5); 3) patient endurance (Greek hupomona, remaining under), as Christians we call upon Yahweh to help us to remain a faithful witness through the trials and temptations of this world we are in (1 Corinthians 10:13; Revelation 1:9a). B. John had been exiled to the island of Patmos and writes Revelation from there (Revelation 1:9b).

6 6 1. The historian Eusebius confirms that the Apostle John was banished to the island of Patmos in the fourteenth year of Roman Emperor Domitian s reign (95 A.D.). 2. It was an island 10 miles long and 6 miles wide 37 miles off the coast of Miletus. It became a penal colony area for Rome but also had a decent population of citizens on the island, two gymnasia and a temple of Artemis. 3. There is presently a cave near the top of the island marked off as a shrine where it is thought that John received his visions and wrote the book of Revelation. He probably did this while looking out on the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. 4. He had been banished because of his teaching and preaching the Word of God and for being a witness of Jesus Christ. 5. Emperor Domitian died in 96 A.D., a general amnesty for the exiles were given, and it is believed that John returned to Ephesus. THOUGHT: Right now, we as believers share a life in Christ s Kingdom that has trouble and needs patient endurance. However, as we are faithful to our individual callings, Yahweh accomplishes His Kingdom purposes in and through us. Look at the example of the Apostle John! C. John explains how he received his calling and commission to write the book of Revelation in a manner similar to an Old Testament prophet (Revelation 1:10,11; Ezekiel 2:2, 3:12, 14, 24; Daniel 7:1,15). 1. John s commission happened on the Lord s Day. Scripture and church history helps us to understand this as Sunday (John 20:19, 26; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:20; 16:2). 2. John s commission happened while he was in the Spirit. This seems to be another way of saying that he was given the Holy Spirit s understanding in his spirit through supernatural means (Revelation 4:2, 17:3, 21:10). 3. John heard his commission from a loud voice (probably Christ s see also Revelation 1:19). It sounded to him like a trumpet which many times is used in Scripture to alert, warn, and prepare God s people (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). 4. John was to write this book on a scroll to seven churches in Asia Minor which would now be in modern day Turkey. a. This scroll would have been on a papyrus scroll and on completion might have spanned 17 feet rolled out.

7 7 b. The seven churches were probably selected because they were well known to the Apostle John, they were postal distribution centers, and they each showed important church issues (which churches for all time could relate to). c. It seemed to be that the book would first go to Ephesus where it would be copied and then sent off to the next destination. After all seven churches copied their scroll, it was then probably sent to other Christian churches where it became widely known. THOUGHT: Christianity is both supernatural and rational at the same time. The commission, writing, and distribution of Revelation shows both/and not either/or. II. The Apostle John s vision of the glorified Christ (Revelation 1:12-20). A. Someone like a son of man is seen among or in the midst of seven golden lampstands which represent the seven churches (Revelation 1:12, 13a). 1. The coming Messiah (anointed one) is prophesied in Daniel 7:13 as someone like the son of man and while on earth Jesus called Himself the Son of Man (Luke 5:24, 6:5, 17:22, 24, 26, 30). Now in Revelation, John picks up this theme for our glorified Jesus Christ. 2. The seven lampstands might individually be like the golden seven- branched lampstand from the Old Testament. This lampstand is found in the Jewish Tabernacle and Temples (Exodus25:31-40) and from the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 4:2 already used in Revelation 1:4 and will be used again in Revelation 11:4). The lampstand was the structure which supported the oil which could be lit and give light to an area. In the New Testament, Christ s church is Yahweh s light to this world (Matthew 5:14). THOUGHT: It is interesting that the churches vision of the glorified Christ, after a time of over 60 years from the time of Acts, finds Jesus actively among His churches. We are not alone! B. John next describes features of the glorified Son of Man (Revelation 1:13b-16). 1. John describes Jesus clothes, head and hair, eyes, feet, voice, right hand, mouth and face in which reveals the majesty of the King-Judge-Messiah of Isaiah 22:21, 22, Daniel 7:9-14, and Daniel 10:5, 6.

8 8 2. A ruler or dignitary wore a long robe with a golden sash around the chest as opposed to a day laborer whose robe would have been tucked in with the sash around his waist (Revelation 15:6). The white hair and blazing eyes speaks of Christ s wisdom to judge (Daniel 7:9). The glowing feet show Christ s ability to conquer and purify (Ezekiel 1:13, 27). The voice of many waters demonstrates Christ s awesome power and glory (Ezekiel 43:2), His right hand held seven stars which are interpreted for us as seven angels evidently assigned to each of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20; Daniel 12:1; angels are always real angels in the rest of the book). His mouth with the double- edged sword expresses Christ s ability to conquer, judge, and rebuke by the power of His Words and faithfulness to His Father s will (Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 12:10, 11; 19:13-15). Finally, Christ s amazingly bright shining face reveals His divine splendor and glory (Matthew 17:2). C. This glorified Christ which the Apostle John has just seen is the very same one which was prophesied to come and the one who has accomplished the salvation of all who have and will believe (Revelation 1:17-20). 1. The Apostle John is strengthened by the glorified Christ after seeing this supernatural amazing sight (verse 17a; Matthew 17:6, 7). 2. Jesus proclaims Himself as the First and the Last revealing Himself to be the prophesied Old Testament s King and Messiah (verse 17b; Isaiah 44:6). 3. Jesus proclaims His own death, burial, and resurrection as the basis and power of His authority just as He has always done (verse 18a; John 5:19-30, 11:25; Matthew 28:18-20). 4. Jesus proclaims that because of His faithfulness to this plan of redemption that He now possesses the keys to death and Hades (the place of the dead which was Sheol in the Old Testament) (verse 18b; Isaiah 53:4-12; John 5:38; Matthew 16:18, 19; John 5:38). 5. The Apostle John is again told to write this message of the glorified Christ which will include the things which he has seen (visions and instructions) for both the current and future time periods (verses 19, 20).

9 9 YAHWEH JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES (PART 1) REVELATION 2:1-11 I. Church #1: The Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7). A. A brief history of the city of Ephesus: Ephesus was one of the most important and largest cities in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) at the time of Revelation (95 A.D.). It was given free city status and, therefore, could be self governed. It was a major trade city for Rome and a temple warden city for the fertility goddess Artemis (Greek) or Diana (Roman version). In this city of over 200,000 people, the temple had thousands of priests and priestesses dedicated to prostitution. The Apostle Paul planted the church at Ephesus in about 52 A.D. (Acts 18:19-21), spent three years ministering there between A.D. and wrote his Ephesian letter while imprisoned in Rome in 60 A.D. B. Christ s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7). 1. Christ s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:1. He identifies Himself as the churches powerful protector ( holding the seven stars in His right hand ) as well as the one who has intimate knowledge of their activity ( walking in their midst ) (Revelation 2:1, 1:13, 20). 2. Christ s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Revelation 2:2-6). a. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has been faithful at discerning and calling out evil men who are false apostles (probably claiming special authority from God) (verse 2). These are probably the same as the Nicolaitanes of verse 6 (possibly followers of the deacon Nicolas Acts 6:5). From church history we know that this group seemed to be teaching their followers to overcome ( nike Greek) the lusts of this world and their flesh by giving themselves over to licenscious living. They probably believed their physical bodies didn t matter since God is essentially Spirit. However, they were deceived since Christ took on human flesh (now has a glorified human body) and walked in purity, truth, and sinlessness (Revelation 2:2, 6; Colossians 3:5; 1 John 2:14-20). b. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has patiently endured hard conditions for Christ s name and have not given up. This probably relates to being a church in such a pagan city (verse 3). c. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has forsaken or left their first love. The first love is like the passion and zeal of a new bride and groom for each other. Leaving the first love of Christ probably indicates a staleness or mediocrity with their individual and congregational witness of Christ s love. If this church does not repent (change their minds or perspective), they could be removed as Christ s light to this city (verse 4 and 5). 3. Christ s award for the faithful Ephesians (Revelation 2:7).

10 10 a. There is a universal call to all of His churches then and now to this message. To repent, a person or congregation first needs to listen and obey (Greek listen under ) (Isaiah 6:9, 10; Matthew 13:9-17). b. Christ s true overcomers will eat of the tree of life. In other words, they will come back to the full situation of life with Yahweh and even more so that Adam and Eve were banished from (Genesis 3:22-24; Revelation. 22:1-5). This seems to promise a deeper life of knowing Yahweh Father and Son now and throughout eternity (John 17:1-5). THOUGHT: On a scale of 1 to 10 is our passion and love for Christ higher or lower than it was 3 months, 3 years, or 30 years ago? How about our church as a whole? II. Church #2: The Church at Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11). A. A brief history of the city of Smyrna: Smyrna was a large (200,000 population) and beautiful seaport city located 35 miles north of Ephesus. In modern Turkey, it is now called Izmir and is known to be the birthplace of Homer. It was an educational center for the area, wealthy, and a center for imperial worship as well as the Greek temples of Cybele, Zeus, Apollo, Asclepius, and Aphrodite. Under the Roman Emperor Domitian (81-96 A.D.) emperor worship became compulsory. A Christian who refused to worship Caesar or any of the other numerous Greek gods risked societal alienation, persecution, and death. B. Christ s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11). 1. Christ s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:8. He identifies Himself as the churches promised Old Testament king and Messiah (Revelation 1:17; Isaiah 44:6) that has made and will make everything right in the end. Yahweh Jesus suffered, died, and rose again and He will supply strength for the believers in Smyrna to do the same. 2. Christ s assessment of the situation without a rebuke (Revelation 2:9, 10). a. Christ knows that the Smyrnan church has had suffering ( thlipsis, distress, ordeal) and economic hardship due to their stand for Christ. Evidently, Jewish non-believers have made matters worse for them by aggressively persecuting them and reporting Christian non-compliance (verse 9). b. Christ knows that the Smyrnan church will still suffer some more specific things in the future and will experience a certain amount of fear. For a specific ten day period of time (same as Daniel 1:12-15), they would undergo very severe suffering and they are encouraged to remain faithful (verse 10a,b,c). 3. Christ s award for the faithful Smyrnans (Revelation 2:10d, 11).

11 11 a. Christ s faithful sufferers will receive a crown of life. The crown ( stephanos Greek) was a reward given to the winner of the Olympic Games receiving a laurel wreathed (woven branched) crown. This seems to be a consistent specific reward for faithful suffering (James 2:12) which overcomers are rewarded with to lay before Christ s throne in worship (Revelation 4:10d). b. There is a universal call to all of His churches then and now to overcome and know that even though the first death hurts, the second death (being thrown into Hell, Revelation 20:6, 14, 15) will never hurt them (Revelation 4:11). THOUGHT: Let s meditate on our Yahweh Jesus attributes this week and receive His strength. YAHWEH JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES (PART 2) REVELATION 2:12-29 I. Church #3: The Church at Pergamum A. A brief history of the city of Pergamum: Pergamum in 95 A.D. was a large (over 200,000 population) and important city located about 70 miles north of Smyrna and about 15 miles inland from the coast. It boasted itself as the capital city of Asia Minor (along with Ephesus and Smyrna), had the second largest library in Rome with over 200,000 volumes (Alexandria was first), and was known as a learning and medical community. It also was a multiple temple and shrine city with three temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman Emperor (represented by a Bull), and temples to Zeus, Athena, and the healing god Asclepius (represented by a snake). In modern Turkey today, the city is known as Bergama. B. Christ s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17). 1. Christ s attribute for the church to meditate on is found in Revelation 2:12. He identifies Himself as the one who has the sharp two-edged sword and we know from Revelation 1:16 that it comes out of His mouth. This shows Yahweh Jesus as the one who conquers, judges, and rebukes by the power of His words and the one who perfectly carried out the words of prophecy (Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 12:10, 11; 19:13-15). 2. Christ s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Revelation 2:13-16).

12 12 a. Christ knows that the church at Pergamum is in a city that has given itself over to multiple forms of idol worship including Emperor worship (Satan s throne). In the midst of persecution, including one of their own being killed by the name of Antipas, the church has not denied Christ s name or their faith (verse 13). b. Christ knows that there are some in their congregation who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans (like the Ephesian church Revelation 2:2, 6) which ends up leading people astray. From church history we know that this group taught their followers to overcome ( nike Greek) the lusts of this world and their flesh by giving themselves to licentious living. They probably believed that their physical bodies didn t matter since God is essentially Spirit. Christ likens this teaching to that taught by the prophet Balaam. He advised the pagan King Balak on how to lure the Israelites into the sin of sacrificing to the false gods of the Moabites by seducing them by their women (verses 14, 15; Numbers 22:1-25:17, 31:16; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11). c. Christ knows that false teachers need to repent (change their mind and accept and do truth) and the church leaders need to repent and not allow these false teachers to teach and exercise authority. Without repentance the church could come under Yahweh Jesus discipline (verse 16). 3. Christ s award for His faithful ones (Revelation 2:17). To His true overcomers who will listen and put His words into practice Christ will give two things: 1) Hidden manna manna was the daily food given by Yahweh to the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert of which some of it was hidden in the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 16:31-34; Hebrews 9:4). This promises sustaining intimacy with Christ now and millennial and eternal intimate fellowship in His service in the future (John 6:48-51; Revelation 19:6-9); 2) A White Stone with a new name In the Roman world, white stones were given for special feasts or banquets which were presented at the time of entrance into the event. Many times the name of the person was inscribed on the stone. Christ is going to give His overcomers a stone with a new name picked out specifically by Him (Christ also has a new name, Revelation 19:12). THOUGHT: Believers today need to watch out for some of the same problems that influenced the church at Pergamum. The lust for other things (idols) and sexual immorality are all around us. Christ s word will speak to us and purify us if we let it! II. II. Church #4: The Church at Thyatira

13 13 A. A brief history of the city of Thyatira: Thyatira was a merchant city located 45 miles southeast of Pergamum. During 95 A.D. at the time of the writing of Revelation, the city had a multitude of trade guilds which supplied the Roman military (being one of its military outposts) as well as the other cities since it was on Asia Minor s major trade route. There were guilds (workers unions) for wool, linen, clothing, dyers, potters, bakers, leather, tanners, bronze smiths and slave traders. In the city were temples to Apollo, Artemis (Diana) and shrines to individual trade guild gods. Members of the trade guilds were expected to worship the god of that guild, participate in its feasts, and follow its social and sexual practices. Not participating in any of these could involve financial and social hardship. Lydia was from Thyatira as a seller of purple when the Apostle Paul witnesses Christ to her in Philippi (Acts 16:12-15). B. Christ s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29). 1. Christ s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:18. He is the Son of God which is the only time it is used in the book. The Apostle John uses this term to show the divine side of the Messiah whom he described for us as the Son of Man earlier (Revelation 1:13; John 1:34, 49; 20:31). He is also the one with blazing fire eyes and glowing bronze feet. His eyes speak of His all-knowing ability to exercise wise judgment and His feet speak of His ability to purify and conquer. These came from Revelation 1:14, 15 and could particularly speak to trade workers. 2. Christ s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Revelation 2:19-25). a. Christ knows the Thyatiran church s ministry of love and faith, their endurance (the ability to remain under their situations), and commends them for doing more now than when they first started (verse 19). b. Christ knows that as a church, they are putting up with and giving a woman, who calls herself a prophetess, a platform to teach ideas that are not in conformity to the teaching of Christ and the apostles. Christ identifies her as similar to the Old Testament person Queen Jezebel. She was a Baal worshipping Canaanite who married Israel s King Ahab and brought idolatry and deception to Israel provoking Yahweh to anger (1 Kings 16:31-33; 2 Kings 9:22). This prophetess in Thyatira seemed to be teaching a form of Nicolaitan licentious living which has already been discussed in the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum (verse 20). c. Christ has already confronted her with her error before this and has been waiting patiently for her and her followers to repent (change their mind and obey) (verse 21). If they choose to go their own way and not follow Christ s discipline which could include affliction and suffering ( thlipsis Greek), sickness ( I will cast her on her bed ), and death (verse 22). When this happens, those in the seven churches will take Christ s discipline seriously (verse 23; 1 Corinthians 11:30-32; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16, 17).

14 14 d. Christ speaks comfort for those in the church who refuse to accept this prophetesses teachings on the deep things of Satan. This is probably the wrong view that Christians cannot be hurt by this world, and therefore can participate in it fully, because they are essentially spiritual beings. However, Christ says they should hold fast to His and the apostles true teaching until He comes. Christ took on human flesh (now has a glorified human body) and walked in purity and truth in His mortal body (verse 24, 25; Colossians 3:5; 1 John 2:14-20). 3. Christ s award for the faithful Thyatirans (Revelation 2:26-29). a. True overcomers in Christ are promised a co-reigning with Him in His Millennial Kingdom on this earth (verse 26, 27; Psalms 2:8, 9; Daniel 7:27; Romans 8:17; Revelation 20:4-6). b. True overcomers in Christ (the Morning Star, Revelation 22:16) are given the glories and splendors of being with Christ forever. In new and glorified bodies, they can shine like the brightness of the heavens (verses 28, 29; Daniel 12:3). THOUGHT: This is the center church (the fourth out of seven). Many times the main Hebrew and Greek message is found in the center of a writing. In this writing, the Son of God calls us to hold to the truth and to live for the Kingdom. This is also the message of the whole book! YAHWEH JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES (PART 3) REVELATION 3:1-13 I. Church #5: The Church at Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6). A. A brief history of the city of Sardis: Sardis was located 30 miles south of Thyatira and was located on the main Roman trade and military routes. As a result, it was a very wealthy city and was known as the old capital city of Persia in Asia Minor. It was located on an elevated area 1500 feet from the valley below and so was a perfect military fortress for the kingdoms of Lydia, Persia, Greece, and Rome. It had impressive structures built through hundreds of years of history including the acropolis (a well fortified military structure), temples to Artemis (Cybele, Diana) and the Emperor, and the necropolis (huge cemetery). Their main industry at 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) was woolen goods and clothing. However, most of the city s wealth accumulated from its past history and so it had become prideful, lethargic, and morally compromised.

15 15 B. Christ s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6). 1. Christ s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 3:1b. He identifies Himself as the one who has the seven Spirits of God which communicates the Holy Spirit s blessing, anointing, and teaching (Revelation 1:4; Zechariah 4:1-10). He also identifies Himself as the churches powerful protector and sovereign ruler as the one who has the seven stars (Revelation 1:16, 20). This church by thinking about these things should return to living a life in Yahweh s Spirit and power and stop relying on their own selves. 2. Christ s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Revelation 3:1c-4). a. Christ does not commend this church for its work (only this one and Laodicea receive no commendation). This church is thought of by others and themselves to be spiritually alive but Christ says they are dead ( necros Greek) (Revelation 3:1c). b. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to wake up and to watch constantly (present tense). Whatever this church was doing for Christ was not found to be done correctly (complete, to the full). This probably meant that there were either bad doctrine, personal boasting, immorality, or/and alterior motives involved with the works (Revelation 3:2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:1-6; 1 John 2:16). c. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to correct the problem with a three-fold formula: 1) Remember! (what they have received from Christ and His teaching), 2) Keep it!, and 3) Repent! (change your mind and turn). If they refuse to do these things, Christ will come to them like a thief which probably means that He will remove them as one of His churches (Revelation 3:3, 2:5). d. Christ does comfort a few in the church who have not soiled their clothes. The white clothes probably relate to the wedding and feast garments of the saints (Revelation 19:7, 8) or the victorious white garments worn after a battle victory in the Roman empire (Revelation 3:4). 3. Christ s award for the overcomers in Sardis (Revelation 3:5, 6). a. They are promised white clothes (verse 4) having their names stay in the book of life (all humans start out in the book but non-believers in Yahweh Christ s righteousness choosing instead self-righteousness get blotted out of the smaller Lamb's Book of Life, Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 13:8, 17:8, 20:15, 21:27) and acknowledgement before Yahweh Father and the angels. b. There is a universal call to all of Christ s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.

16 16 THOUGHT: How do churches that were once alive become dead? What can we do to prevent dying as a church? I. Church #6: The Church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13). A. A brief history of the city of Philadelphia: Philadelphia was located 25 miles southeast of Sardis and 100 miles east of Smyrna. It was a wealthy city which traded in textile, leather, and wine. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. along with 10 other cities in the area but was rebuilt by Tiberias Caesar. In honor to Caesar, the city changed its name to Neocaesarea for over 30 years but by 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) it went by the names of Philadelphia or Flavia. It had temples dedicated to emperor worship, Zeus, and shrines to pagan cults. There was also a large Jewish Synagogue in the city. Between the immorality of the culture and persecution, the church had many difficulties. B. Christ s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13). 1. Christ s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 3:7. He identifies Himself as the Holy One ( set apart for the Father s purposes, Isaiah 6:3), the True One (perfectly trustworthy, what He said and says He will do, as an example Isaiah 9:1, 2; Matthew 4:12-16), and the One who has the key of David. The key to King David s treasury (Isaiah 22:22) is given ultimately to the Holy True Messiah from David s line, Jesus Christ, which opens the door to His Kingdom (Matthew 16:19). 2. Christ s assessment of the situation without a rebuke (Revelation 3:8-11). a. Christ knows that this congregation has been suffering (little strength) and persecuted but has kept His word and not denied His name. He continues to set before them this open door into the Kingdom blessings and possibly ministry (verse 8; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 21:25). b. Christ knows that this congregation is being persecuted by the Jewish community. He tells this predominately Gentile church that His true Jews would receive their Messiah as the Philadelphian church has already done. Christ loves ( agapao Greek) this church and all people will see this in His fulfilled Kingdom (vs. 9; Daniel 7:27; Philippians 2:10, 11).

17 17 c. Christ knows that the Philadelphia congregation has kept His word through suffering times by enduring ( remaining under Greek) in Christ s strength (verse 10a). Since they were willing to endure now, they and future patient endurers will be kept from a future time of trial and tribulation which will come upon the whole earth (verse 10b, c). Most dispensationalists believe the rapture will take the church out of this world before the hour of trial or Day of Yahweh begins on this earth (Daniel 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:17-5:5; Revelation 7:14). Most other groups see this as Christ s preservation and strength to His believers through the great trials in this world (James 1:27). d. Christ encourages His suffering Church with His soon coming. The idea of soon should be looked at from the perspective of wrapping up prophetic events and Yahweh s grand timescale (Daniel 2:28, 45; Luke 18:8; 2 Peter 3:8-13; Revelation 1:12, 22:6). As they hold on (to the Holy True Messiah), they will keep their crown (reward) (verse 11; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). 3. Christ s award for the overcoming Philadelphians (Revelation 3:12, 13). a. They will be pillars in the Temple of God (probably relating to service in Christ s kingdom being built properly on the apostles foundation, Revelation 21:14; Ephesians 2:20-22). They will be written on by Christ Himself which means intimacy and ownership. Overcomers receive on their new bodies the name of Yahweh Father, the new Jerusalem, and Yahweh Jesus new name (verse 12; Ezekiel 48:35; Revelation 19:12-22:5). b. There is a universal call to all of Christ s churches then and now to hear and obey this message. THOUGHT: Jesus promises future glories to those who will patiently trust, keep His word, endure, and follow Him now!

18 18 YAHWEH JESUS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES (PART 4) REVELATION 3:14-22 I. Church #7: The Church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). A. A brief history of the city of Laodicea: Laodicea was located 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was a city that was at the crossroads of the major trade routes in Asia Minor and so had become wealthy. It was known for a soft, black wool made in the area and their famous medical school. An eye salve came from this school known as Phygian powder which brought the city fame and fortune. The city had temples to Zeus, Men Karou (also known as Asclepius, the god of healing) as well as shrines to many trade gods. The valley it was located in was prone to earthquakes and the city was severely damaged in both 17 A.D. and 60 A.D. The city had to bring its water in from an aqueduct system from six miles away and so was known to have lukewarm and many times bad tasting water. The cities and churches of Colosse and Hierapolis were very close to the city of Laodicea (Colosse was 10 miles east and Hierapolis was 6 miles north) forming a tri-city complex. It is believed that all three churches were evangelized and planted by Epaphras (Colossians 1:7, 2:1, 4:13) between A.D. B. Christ s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). 1. Christ s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 3:14. He identifies Himself as the churches Amen which means the words and actions of Jesus are firmly fixed, unchangeable, and true (Isaiah 65:16, He is the God of truth, in Hebrew Elohim Aman ). He is the faithful and true witness and wants the Laodiceans to be like Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). He is also the ruler (chief, source, origin, beginner) of creation and therefore worthy to be listened to (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5, 22:13). 2. Christ s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Revelation 3:15-20). a. Christ knows that the Laodicean church, like their city water, is lukewarm and bad tasting. Out of the seven churches, they receive the worst report from Yahweh Jesus and receive only rebuke. None of the works of the Laodicean church are acceptable in Yahweh Jesus sight (verses 15, 16).

19 19 b. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is a congregation that boasts in their own wealth and self-sufficiency rather than their need and abandonment in Yahweh. This attitude never went well for Israel and it s not going well for this church either (Deuteronomy 8:10-20; Jeremiah 9:23, 24). Christ describes this congregation in five words that are very much different from their self-evaluation. They are wretched (only other time used in Romans 7:24), miserable (only other time used in 1 Corinthians 15:19), poor, blind, and naked (verse 17). c. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is prideful in three areas which are their gold, clothing, and eye medicine. He desires for their self- sufficiency to be reversed and therefore He instructs this congregation to buy into His true spiritual life instead (verse 18). If they will listen to His loving rebuke and repent (change their mind and turn) then Christ will open the door of His Kingdom blessings and personal fellowship to them (verses 19, 20; Matthew 24:33; John 14:23). 3. Christ s award for the faithful Laodiceans (Revelation 3:21, 22). a. Christ s true overcomers will co-reign with Christ in His Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom on this earth (verse 21; Daniel 7:27; Luke 22:28-30; Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:6). b. There is a universal call to all of Christ s churches then and now to overcome and listen to the true words of the Holy Spirit (verse 22). THOUGHT: In what areas are you showing boastfulness in your family, resources, or ability without giving credit to Yahweh? How can you correct this? How can we as a church body be better at Hallelu-Yah (praising Yahweh)? II. Two final teachings regarding the seven churches of Revelation. A. Some teachers like to point out that there seems to be a possible chronological development of church history in the seven churches. They would possibly say that a scenario like this is represented in church history: Ephesus (approx A.D., losing first love), Smyrna (approx A.D., severe persecution before Constantine), Pergamum (approx A.D., false doctrine), Thyatira ( A.D., immorality, false doctrine), Sardis ( A.D., reformation, persecution), Philadelphia ( s A.D., revivals, great world wars), Laodicea (1950-now, the lukewarm church). Even though there are some interesting historical events that seem to line up with this view, there is not enough to give precise breaks to the next chronological development for my exegetical taste. A better exegesis is to see the seven churches representing possible church scenarios for all church time before Christ s rapture and/or return.

20 20 B. There seems to be a possible Hebraic chiasm in Christ s words to the seven churches of Revelation. The Greek letter chi looks like the English X. Therefore, a chiasm in the literature has similarities matching beginning and ending parts of the writing and has its main point in the middle (where the X crosses). Ephesus and Laodicea, Smyrna and Philadelphia, and Pergamum and Sardis all have similarities relating in order of passion for Christ, persecution in Christ, and participation in cultural immorality. Thyatira is the middle church, has the longest amount of writing, deals with doctrinal error and immorality, and is the only letter that quotes Scripture directly (Psalms 2:9). This deals with Christ s rule on this earth and His overcomers ruling with Him. This church seems to embody Christ s main theme to His churches for all time. YAHWEH FATHER S THRONE IN HEAVEN REVELATION 4:1-11 I. The revealing of the glory and awesomeness of Yahweh Father s throne in heaven (Revelation 4:1-6). A. This is the start of a new section of prophecy that goes from Revelation 4:1 22:5. It starts with the sovereign throne of Yahweh and ends with the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth. John seems to tie vision after vision together with words like "after this" or after these things which give primarily a futuristic idea (Revelation 1:19, 4:1, 7:1, 9, 9:12, 15:5, 18:1, 19:1, 20:3). B. The Apostle John next sees a door that had been opened in heaven and hears the powerful trumpet voice of Yahweh Jesus inviting him into the open door for a look into future events (Revelation 4:1; Revelation 1:10, 19). 1. Up until now John received his vision of the glorified Christ (Revelation 1:1-20) and Christ s message to the seven churches (Revelation 2:1 3:22) while probably in his cave on the isle of Patmos. Now he is given a vision which elevates him to the vantage point of heaven. 2. Many believers see the rapture ( catching up Greek harpazo 1 Thessalonians 4:17) of the church as occurring before (between Revelation 3:10 4:1) or at Revelation 4:1. Believers who hold to this position believe that Christ will rapture His church before the seven years of tribulation that will come on this earth as prophesied in Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matthew 24:4-29; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10; and Revelation 6:1 19:10 and so are called pretribulational.

21 21 C. As John went through the open door of heaven (in the spirit, in his vision), he immediately was struck by the awesomeness of the throne of Yahweh Father! (Revelation 4:2; 1 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1-4; Ezekiel 1:26-28). With the inspiration of Yahweh s Spirit, he describes it for us in Revelation 4:3-6. The concept of the throne of Yahweh is very important in Revelation. 1. Out of the 22 chapters of Revelation, the throne is related to in 14 of the chapters. The word throne is used 13 times in Revelation 4:1-11 alone! 2. Yahweh Father is described by John through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in terms of light in the color of three stones: jasper (probably like translucent diamond), carnelian (also called sardius which was fiery red), and emerald (covering a rainbow of shades of green encircling the throne). Brilliant splendor, glory, and unapproachable light give us a visual of our Yahweh Father (Revelation 4:3; Ezekiel 1:26-28; 1 Timothy 6:16). 3. Around the Father s throne were 24 thrones occupied by 24 elders wearing white clothes and gold crowns (Revelation 4:4). a. Many believe these to be human elders such as 12 chosen from Israel and 12 chosen from the church as in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12-14). b. Many believe these to be a special elevated rank of angelic beings who have served Yahweh and His creation well. They point out that these 24 elders seem to be uniquely linked with the four living creatures that are for sure angelic, they are always distinguished from the saints (Revelation 5:8, 11:17-18, 19:1-4), and their place seems to center around the heavenly throne rather than any earthly thrones. This probably fits the context of the passage better. 4. From the throne came an awesome display of lightning, thundering sounds, and seven fire torches representing Yahweh s seven-fold (all- encompassing) Spirit. Each of these depict Yahweh s power to judge and purify by His Holy Spirit (Revelation 4:5, 8:5, 11:19, 16:18; Exodus 19:16; Matthew 3:11). 5. The throne was located on a large expanse of crystal glass that was like looking into the sea or ocean (this magnified Yahweh s transcendence, purity, and holiness). However, four six winged, supernatural angelic creatures, probably in the same order as seraphim and cherubim, who could see from any position (rich in Yahweh s will and knowledge), were right next to the throne and surrounding it (Revelation 4:6; Ezekiel 1:5-25, 10:1-22; Isaiah 6:1-3). THOUGHT: Let s silently meditate on this awesome sight of Yahweh Father our Heavenly Father and give Him praise. II. John next gives us more detail concerning these four living creatures (Revelation 4:7-8).

22 22 A. They have faces like a lion, calf (ox), man, and flying eagle. Even though the early church fathers assigned these to the four gospels and others to tribes of Israel, the most probable explanation is that these highly ranked, supernaturally close order of angelic beings expressed Yahweh s heart in creation. They represent and bring continuous worship by acknowledging His power, strength, spiritual relationship, and soaring ability over this creation (verse 7; Ezekiel 1:10, 10:14). B. They each have six wings (Ezekiel chapters 1, 10; Isaiah 6:1-3) that can shield them from the awesome holiness of Yahweh and eyes that expressed their ability to see from any angle to discern Yahweh s bidding or will. They continuously say that Yahweh is beyond holy (repeated for emphasis, Isaiah 6:3, set apart from all else), that He is the only Ruler of All or Lord God Almighty (Adonai Yahweh Sabaoth of Hosts in Hebrew, Isaiah 6:3; Ezekiel 6:3), and that He is Yahweh the great I Am (was, is, and is to come Exodus 3:14). III. John next gives us more detail concerning the 24 elders (Revelation 4:9-11). A. When the four living creatures worship Yahweh s attributes, His right to rule, and return thanks for who He is, the 24 elders worship by prostrating themselves and placing their crowns toward the throne (verses 9, 10). B. The 24 elders then join in the praise by saying their own chorus and adding aspects of Yahweh s creation, will, and sovereignty (verse 11). IV. Some helpful terminology and definitions. A. Millennium comes from two Latin words mille-1,000 and annum-year. Therefore, the word refers to the 1,000 year reign of Christ found in Revelation 20:1-8 (chiliasm is derived from the Greek word for 1,000). 1. A person who believes that Christ will return to this literal earth before setting up and reigning 1,000 years on this earth is called a Premillennialist. 2. An Amillennialist is a person who believes that the 1,000 year time period is not literal but symbolic. Many believe that if there is a millennial reign of Christ, it is already happening during this present time of the church. 3. A Postmillennialist is a person who believes that the church will usher in the restoration and millennial reign of Christ on this earth under Christ s invisible direction. Christ will then return visibly after this millennial work on earth to judge the wicked and set up His New Heaven and New Earth.

23 23 B. Tribulation is suffering or affliction and the word taken in a prophetic sense means the seven year period of suffering (that starts the day of the Lord) that is to come on the earth according to Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matthew 24:4-29; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10; Revelation 4:1 19:10). The Tribulation Period is usually seven years and the most intense suffering happens in the last three and a half years of the seven and is called the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:27b; Matthew 24:21). 1. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the seven year Tribulation starts is pretribulational. 2. A person who believes that the church will be raptured in the middle of the seven year Tribulation but before the three and a half year Great Tribulation is midtribulational. 3. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the wrath of the Lamb is pre-wrath tribulational (usually after the middle). 4. A person who believes that the church will be raptured after the seven year Tribulation Period is posttribulational. FOUR HEAVENLY SCENES SHOW YAHWEH JESUS AS THE RIGHTFUL RULER OVER THIS EARTH AND ALL OF CREATION REVELATION 5:1-13 The Apostle John divides this section up into four scenes with the words and I saw (kai eidon Greek) used in verses 1, 2, 6, and 11. I. Scene One: Yahweh Father and the seven-sealed scroll (Revelation 5:1). A. Yahweh Father, who is still on His throne that was described in chapter 4, is now seen balancing a scroll on His right palm. B. The scroll has been written on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 1. The scroll was probably made of papyrus strips that were glued together and then rolled. The writing on front and back of papyrus scrolls was usually reserved for documents, divorce settlements, and contract deeds (verse 1, Ezekiel 2:9, 10).